All types and grades of window film incorporate four basic benefits in varying degrees dependent on the type: solar heat control, improved protection in case of shattering and ultraviolet radiation (U.V. fading) control

All films reduce the heat load from the sun by lowering the transmission of solar near infrared radiation (NIR) through glass. Tinted films add to this benefit by excluding some of the visible light since a portion of visible light is absorbed by non-reflective objects and converted to heat. Practical benefits to you, the customer, include: better balancing of hot and cold spots in structures; improved individual feelings of well-being and more comfortable environmental conditions; improved efficiencies in both heating and cooling; reduced energy consumption and utility costs; reduced HVAC active cycle times, lower installation and maintenance costs; and increased HVAC equipment working lifetime. The energy savings translate to reduced bottom line costs and lowered carbon dioxide generation with resultant diminished environmental impact.

Reduced Danger in Case of Breakage

All window film has a thin but tough elastic polymer layer that is able to stretch and resist tearing. When the film is attached to a glass surface it adheres tightly. The beneficial result is that if breakage does occur as a result of extreme weather, natural catastrophe, explosive blasts or human action, the shattered fragments of glass, or shards, are held together and thus prevented from becoming dagger-like missiles that endanger nearby persons and possessions. This ability of the film to hold glass fragments together provides a further benefit - the entrance of water, rain and wind-blown debris is reduced or eliminated and unauthorized persons are slowed or prevented from entering. The result is increased human safety and reduced loss of valuable property and furnishings to weather damage, looting or thievery.

Reduced Glare

Natural light, in the right amount and delivered correctly, provides the ideal background for richness of visual detail, eye comfort and health. But annoying reflections and glare can reduce an otherwise comfortable living space or workplace to a burdensome, unhealthy and uncomfortable place.

Window film can help by modulating incoming natural sunlight, softening its intensity, while glare is reduced by eliminating distracting reflections and scattered light from irregularities on reflective surfaces. It can remake your living space into a pleasurable area. By similarly controlling light and glare in the workplace employee comfort and efficiency will be improved. Also window displays of merchandise will be improved by revealing truer colors and more detailed surface textures to prospective customers.

Glare problems are often handled by closing shutters and shades, replacing natural sunlight with increased use of artificial lighting. This rarely solves the problem; reflections and glare remain, and the increased use of artificial lighting adds to the heat load – and to the utility bill!

Reduction of Fading

Ninety percent of fading is caused by three factors: ultraviolet radiation (40%), visible light - either artificial or solar (25%), and heat (25%). The remaining 10% is caused by a multiplicity of factors such as moisture/humidity, chemical vapors, lack of color fastness in the product, and exposure to air (chiefly its oxygen content). From these figures it is apparent that 65% of fading is subject to control by managing light. Eliminating visible light is obviously not feasible; however, UV radiation could be entirely eliminated without adverse effects on desired human activity. Window films can actually reject more than 99% of UV, which essentially eliminates UV as a source of fading in home, car or workplace.

Skin Health Protection

For decades medical studies have documented the relationship of UV radiation to human health, in particular those organs most affected by light, the eyes and skin. UV is believed to contribute to cataract formation, macular degeneration and other disorders of the eye. Exposure to UV radiation is strongly correlated with the development of the two most common but least dangerous forms of skin cancer, squamous cancer and basal cell cancer. The third form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, is the most deadly, but fortunately least common form. One million Americans will develop skin cancer in 2007, and over 7,000 will die, mostly from the deadly melanoma. Doctors believe that suffering even one severe sunburn, especially in childhood, increases the chance of development of skin cancer. Other common effects of UV on human skin include accelerated wrinkling and premature aging.

By blocking virtually all of the damaging UV from entering the glass enclosures of your home, car and workplace, window films contribute significantly to the preservation of healthy skin, eyes, and good health generally.

Graffiti Control

Removal of disfiguring graffiti can be both time-consuming and expensive. Application of protective film by NW Sun Solutions is an excellent protective strategy for all locations at risk for graffiti marring, such as glass or ceramic facades, mirrors, elevator doors, hall panels, etc. First, because the film’s hardened surface resists scratch damage, and second, if damage does occur the film is easily removed and replaced at a fraction of the cost of replacing the original glass or finished surface.

Aesthetic Enhancement

Window film is available in a wide variety of surfaces from clear to reflective, in all degrees of shading from dark to light, and with a multitude of color choices. This makes it possible to artistically enhance the appearance of virtually any architectural style of commercial building or home. In many cases this will increase the value of your investment above and beyond the film cost. In a commercial or office building the reflective properties of window film can confer a pleasing uniformity to the entire exterior surface by shielding the sometimes discordant-appearing contents of the inner offices and workspaces from the view of passersby.

Providing Privacy

The reflective properties of window film allow you to enjoy an unimpeded view of the outdoors from the comfort of your living room knowing that you and your guests/family are shielded from the view of casual strollers passing by. People inside any structure, residents, employees, customers, clients and other visitors, will appreciate the sense of privacy afforded by the filmed windows.